Merry Christmas! Here's a Faith Gem Inspiration for you all who pass this way, this Christmas:

"He who deals with a slack hand becomes poor/but the hand of the diligent makes one rich"
- Proverbs 10:4

Meditate:
Faith is decidingFaith is daring
Faith is doing the job
Faith is determination and dedication

All we need to do is 'Decide' and exercise the six D's of Faith today to keep away from stumbling on the path of life.

D 1 - Power to Decide
D 2 - Courage to Dare
D 3 - Energy to Do
D 4 - Will Power to be Determind
D 5 - Grace to be Dedicated
D 6 - Patience to be Deligent

And, Diligence produces Wealth! Enormous problems dissipate when a person's mind is diligently focused on a goal. If you have a project to build or a problem to solve, take that first crack at it today. Emerge out to be a winner!

Click here to visit Kidsfreesouls Christmas pages. Enjoy and may peace be with you.

- ilaxi patel
Author of Guardian of Angels
Ed, www.kidsfreesouls.com

Make your child a 'Bookworm' - I completely do not agree but instead, Encourage Reading and get the child to form a daily routine for reading books. Begin Reading at the start and reading aloud is the easiest way to talk to your baby before they have any language of their own. It's never too late, Loud reading too does the tricks. Read, read and re-read. Familiarity is pleasure for the kid.

As parents or teachers, what we forget sometimes is missing out the fun while reading. Discovering books in a Library or at a store should be a routine. Encourage children by talking 'just books' with added Scrap book fun. Children love to draw and add color while they write a review or part of the story. Even games are fun while reading. Making spelling games, board games, cards and so on.

Reading should never be serious and this is no learning. We find children saying the story by-heart while participating in Story competition with no expressions. Let kids lighten up. Stories and comics are meant to be fun together. So, it's best using expressions and voice.

Well, here's an article on 'Encourage Reading' in Guardian of Angels and you can even find a part of it on the Kidsfreesouls.com Parenting page. Enjoy!

- ilaxi patel
Author, Guardian of Angels
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com

Children who use mobiles are found to be using more as fun gadget. They play games on their mobiles, use for sms and pics. Mobiles are dangerous for kids. Researchers say, Children under the age of eight should not use mobile phones as heavy use lead to ear and brain tumours and they concluded that the risks had been underestimated by most scientists. The news prompted calls for phones to carry health warnings and panic in parts of the industry. The first mobile targeted at 4-8 year olds also been withdrawn. There were concerns about health risks.

The child should know, it's a use of mobile phone only in time of special/urgent needs only. Teach them three things if they are using mobiles (Best is 'No mobiles till 16) and don't let them get attracted for the fancy picks.

Three things children using mobiles should know:

1. Protect the mobile numbers. Do not give your no. to everyone. Do not let others see your number.
2. Do not respond to unwanted SMS or call back for strangers who sms or ring you.
3. Do not give your information to any caller unless you know the person.

There's no denying that we live in a dangerous world and that children are overwhelmingly important. A day when our mobiles go off even for a while, we are used to adjust but the next generation is out with the newer technology and its safety more a concern for them right now. Protect kids from the dangers using mobiles.

More, it's time to Protect Kids from Crime! I wrote this article in my book after I saw a movie and with the effects of the local ongoing riots then; also the 9/11 and the War effects on children as they watched the television full of crime!

The future is Next Gen Y with the web, gadgets and no peace around!

- ilaxi patel
Author: Guardian of Angels
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids with Resources for Parents and Teachers

Once again, Guardian of Angels is in the NEWS! Divya Bhaskar's City Bhaskar supplement has covered on GOA and POD Publishing with caption 'Book Publishing on E-Net'. An interview on my journey to Amazon.com and how I got to publish my book.

Earlier it covered a concerned story with Mention of Guardian of Angels & interview on International Publishing with views on how effective could be POD as compared to local publishers.

These coverages can be found on my Press Page here on http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/press.htm - Look here for more coverages with updates too.

I guess, the Indian scenario with Publishing Books is yet to pick up the POD Books and Authors. The POD Technology (Print on Demand) is still on a very primary stage with local Publishers too vary about it and Press too, yet a long way to cover such stories on the success of becoming a POD Author. As such, many Publishers or Authors may not even know of the ISBN 13 !

I highly appreciate the Divya Bhaskar Efforts in publishing on POD Books - Thus, being the pioneers in covering noteworthy technology in Publishing Business.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for kids with resources for Parents and Teachers
Author of Guardian of Angels: A practical Guide to Joyful Parenting




GUARDIAN OF ANGELS: A Practical Guide to Joyful Parenting
PUBLISHED BY BOOK SURGE AN AMAZON.COM COMPANY

Sometimes, just a quote, a word, a smile, a glance, an inspiration, encouragement, a note, expressing your Concerns, makes a Great Difference. - (A quote in my article on Emotions)

This is a great feel when somebody write a Review of our Book. A word is a Much Appreciation, indeed! Recently, I got a copy of my Book Review which appeared in a local Gujarati Daily, 'Jansatta-Loksatta' Editions. I had completely missed this and the copy was sent to me later. I gather, many will not understand the Gujarati language, yet here it is below (wysiwyg). The title says, 'Every Parents should read this Book' mentioning thereby, the contents too. You can find more reviews on my book on my site and my Press Coverages here. Enjoy!

પ્રત્યેક માતાપિતાએ વાંચવા જેવું પુસ્તક - ગાર્ડિયન ઓફ એન્જ્લ્સ
- રવિન્દ્ર ઠાકોર, કિતાબઘર કોલમ, લોકસત્તા-જનસત્તા, (અમદાવાદ અને બરોડા)(૧૭-૬-૨૦૦૭)



ઇલાક્ષી પટેલ રચિત એંગ્રેજી પુસ્તક 'ગાર્ડિયન ઓફ એન્જલ્સ મહત્વનું પુસ્તક છે. ગૌરવ આનંદપૂર્વકના માતૃત્વ-પિતૃત્વને તે આલેખે છે. તે અંગેની તેમાં મહત્વની નિર્દેશિકા છે. ગૌરવભર્યા, આનંદ રચ્યાં મા-બાપ બનવું તે પણ લહાવો છે અને એક કર્તવ્ય પણ. આમાં શૈશવ વિકાસ, પ્રશ્ન ઉકેલ, બાળકોનાં વલણો, તેમનાં પ્રત્યેનું વર્તન, કમ્પ્યુટર આદિ નવી તકનીક બાળકોને કેટલી ઉપયોગી, શિશુને પૂરું સમજવું, તેની પૂર્ણ સમજણ આદિ વિષયો પર ચિંતનશીલ શૈલીમાં ધ્યાન દોરાયું છે. માતા પિતા અને સંતાન નરવું સમભાવ-સમતા અને સૌહાર્દ પ્રગટે તે જ ધ્યેય છે. પ્રત્યેક માતા-પિતાએ વાંચવા જેવું પુસ્તક.

I'll give you the moon at night, I'll give you star that lights your eyes, I'll give you the sun that made just one more dawn, So another day may come, I'll give you my heart and soul, I'll be there to catch you when you fall, When you ask me what I give to you, Girl I'll give it all.....

There goes the words of the song of 98 degrees! And I wonder, how many couples have once in life said this to another. Later, the fever wanes and with kids, crash boom goes the wows broken to head for a divorce! Ever wonder - the small young minds are the silent observers? I ever recommend the Books of Barbara and Allan Pease esp. "Why Men lie and Women cry". Surprisingly, the book sure reveals a lot of answers that every parent need to know. Children cannot be taken just for a ride out of your own frustrations!

There are financial and emotional problems when the last resort is a divorce but I guess, everything happens for a cause. Stop, think a while and try resolve the situation - It's time around to "Master Your Mood" - Mood swings and Life stings. Guardian of Angels, my book has cool tips on How to Master your Moods. Enjoy!

- Ilaxi Patel
Author of Gujardian of Angels: A practical Guide to Joyful Parenting
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com

Dr. Radhakrishnan said once "A good teacher must know how to arouse the interest of the pupil in the field of study for which he is responsible. He must himself be a master in the field of study and be in touch with the latest developments in the subject, he must himself be a fellow traveler in the exciting pursuit of knowledge"

A teacher's influence never stops! A school makes a break through if it creates a learning environment but it is a parent to make an active choice for kids and to nurture their talents. Raising IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and spoon-feeding creativity is needed to boost the child's inner potentialities. It is here to remember, every innovation came about because a determined person stubbornly believed in the inner abilities of his or her imagination. Just because the book is so popular and parents want the child to read Harry Potter, it does not mean, the child will be interested. It's the first step here - Encourage Reading.

Guardian of Angels give an insight on these two topics on How to Unleash Creativity and Encourage Reading. Check it out to buy at Amazon.com!

- ilaxi patel
Editor, Kidsfreesouls.com
Author : Guardian of Angels

Charles Eliot said, "When we teach a child to read, our primary aim is not to enable it to decipher a bill or receipt, but to kindle it's imagination, enlarge its vision and open for it the avenues of knowledge." Well, Change does not necessarily assure progress, but progress implacably requires change. And, Education is essential to change, for education creates both new wants and the ability to satisfy them.

As we ourselves learn and teach children, we widen horizons, inflame intellect, teach them to think straight but to think nevertheless; so as we do the same. With the newer technology setting in the pace, it is an unending tech skills we need to learn ourselves too. True wisdom lies not in seeing what we see but vision and foresee what is to come. Challenge the child in the actual environment they need to perform, then support in succeeding.

Well, here is a diagram I just made of a survey done earlier on Frequency of Computer use by Teachers in general and the results of the survey derived by Henry Jay Becker Findings (On Larry, Cuba comments). A way of good teaching and Computers used with and for students. The most common use of computers by Teachers were 'Getting Information or ideas' and 'Expressing themselves in writing'. Mastering skills or presenting information to an audience or electronically communicating is even less as found in the survey. Almost, I guess most of the teachers elsewhere in US use computers more for Getting Information or Ideas and some, for classroom teaching projects. What is your use of Computers, anyways? Do email me.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Author of : Guardian of Angels

Is Education in schools all about getting good grades? I wonder! Kids and Parents need to define and develop goals. Goals – a plan, a means to a reach somewhere to live out one’s values. If the goal is a reach to have a value education, then a graduation is must. Kids require to be goal oriented. Most of the children we observe have a tendency to depend on the parents’ choice. A child who is incapable of reading a simple storybook hooks up to computing to explore CD surfing, building homepages and Internet! A child should be supported with the cycle of setting and achieving goals that are meaningful enough to motivate them to carry them out.

Check to read the tips on Goal Setting Ingredients and more - in Guardian of Angels. You can grab a copy from amazon (below link).

- ilaxi patel
Editor, Kidsfreesouls.comNet newspaper for kids with resources for parents and teachers
Author: Guardian of Angels

Make the Kids Listen and Children Talk Like You are two topics covered up in my book 'Guardian of Angels' Conversation, in part, is self expression. All at its best, conversation means pooling of information, the sharing of interests, the bringing together of ideas. Many children shy away from conversation. They find trouble starting a topic for conversation or either fail to keep the conversation going. The real trouble-shooting spot is children need to be talked to. Parents or teachers need to take time off to make the kids listen to them and they too, listen to what children wish to express.

Seven ways can help the child or an adult to be a good conversationalist:

1. Interest: Make the child form interest in what's going on, what's being talked about, about activities and what they are doing.

2. The Friendly attitude: Conversation withers if a friendly approach is missing. The critical approach to the other person may flaunder speech and expression shows that you don't think much of the person.

3. Cheerful and good humour : Smile makes a difference. The kids should need to keep smiling, make it an interesting, friendly smile. Show the good feelings in the way you say things.

4. Gestures : You're alive, so your face and gestures show off. Be calm, relax. Good conversation means keeping your calm without any strained efforts.

5. Be flexible : Topics change and so do a good conversationlist change with topics. The children should be taught to not be stubborn or rigid over any change. Even your interest wanes, keep the talk going.

6. Using Tact : Use tact and think before you speak. Think first, not afterwards as words spoken without thoughtfulness end up as you being not liked. Words may play it's role as you reflect your thoughts in a conversation.

7. Be courteous : Sweet and short. Good conversation is presentation for good manners.

The first thing to do is, practice exercises for conversation. Rehearse the telling of a story i.e. narrating. Practice at home with parents. Talk on movies, television program or a fav book or character. Talk on events, news or any interesting talk while at dinner or in study room; before sleeping hours too. Practice with strangers - at social places or the like. Be a good listener and an interesting talker. Seeking conversation leads to situations in which conversation will develop. It is required to cultivate a healthy, positive attitude toward meeting friends and strangers. Each opportunity to talk and as you talk, you improve, you know more and more the relaxed conversation takes place. Thereby, the fluency follows - quite naturally!

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/ (Net newspaper for kids with resources for parents & teachers)
Author : Guardian of Angels

There is a concern for kids using mobiles. Mobile bullying is on a rise all over the world. You can read further on Bullying: A menace in my Book "Guardian of Angels." I feel, the need of the hour is to provide proper guidance before use of such gadgets and let the child know about the consequences of its negative use. Bullying is a sin when you harm someone and getting bullied and keeping quiet is a crime you allow to tear you apart - It's need to get educated and be aware to prevent Bully, either way!

According to a research of by NCH and Tesco Mobile, one in five young people have been bullied or threatened by mobile phone or computer (through text messages, emails, photos, etc). However, 56% parents aren't worried over this except a few teachers are aware of the problems. In UK, 51% teachers reported of Mobile text bullying and 67% teachers reported on such issues with their primary level students. Here is the site by NCH and you can download the 10 tips Stop Text Bully Poster from here and clip it on your School Board. I have taken a special class on this as Indian Mobile scenario is fast changing and we have the best mobiles available here.

Being the World Music Day, You can find here the best music download sites & NIEHS Sing along musicals & Free Kids music too. Enjoy!

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Author: Guardian of Angels

Happy Father's Day to all Dads!

Check in the Kidsfreesouls 9 ways that help Dads to stand by Moms in bringing up kids gracefully and help them manage their workplace with positive rewarding experiences.

A Dad is the King of the Palace and what he says is always Right - The same statement changes with the tech times, "A Mom is the Queen of the Kitchen and always stand by the Dad to help him do what is always right. Well, whatever - Parenting is always experiencing a Teamwork. A father's involvement always changes through all the seasons of parenting. From childhood to teenage freedom, boredom or career selections, a parental guidance is most required. Even for selecting a life partner!




Those who have read the article 'New Parental Concern:Dad a Role Model' in the first chapter of my book Guardian of Angels find the useful tips on how a Dad can stand by moms and pose to be a Role Model. If you have not yet picked my book, grab a copy NOW! Enjoy!

- ilaxi patel
Editor, Kidsfreesouls.com - Net newspaper for kids with Resources for Parents & Teachers
Author : Guardian of Angels

Recently I read about Robert Fulghum's best seller “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” He mentions of Life lessons to learn from the start which were:

Wash your hands before you eat.
Take a nap every afternoon.
Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
Clean up your own mess.
Flush

Simple words of wisdom you call or call them manners. However, today Kindergarten is no longer the same but more a process of professionalism. The kids need to cope up with the curriculum set by the academicians. Many parents want their children to study academics instead of playing. On kindergarten, the National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education Collaborative website has some teacher tested ways of learning.

Check on my Book Chapters and find on Childhood Development - Maybe this is all what parents need to know on Developmental schedules with the EQ, IQ and SQ.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, Kidsfreesouls.com
Author of Guardian of Angels: A practical guide to Joyful Parenting

Aesops Fables is the most widely read choice of kids and who does not remember the Fox and the Grapes, The Tortoise and the Hare and such tales that teach moral values to children. Aesop was born on 4th June, a fantastic story-teller who lived in Greece. Aesop was a slave who lived mid-sixth century BC, in Ancient Greece.

 

The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse and The Dog in the Manger has been the favorite reads of the children at the Swagat Library. They are too fond of writing the book reviews of these Aesops fables as well as the Panchtantra. However, Amar Chitra Katha is read, most of the time, writing a review is skipped here. Well, if you are fond of the Aesops tales, sure you can find many more on the web on Kidsfreesouls fairyland Page - the tales are exclusive widgets by Laura Gibbs. You can find more on Aesop in the Wiki and the Pacific Link is widely surfed for the Aesops. You can listen to the audios here on this link too.

Enjoy the ageless and timeless wisdom of Aesop's fables - Get into the ocean of knowledge and dig in the hidden pearls and gems - Enjoy!

- ilaxi

Technorati Profile

The most beloved Belgian comic strip hero Tintin is to come alive on screen as Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson are to join forces to direct and produce a series of three films based on the character Tintin. The Entertainment journal Daily Variety reported in it's recent edition that the legendary film makers would direct at least one of the films each and serve as producers on all three. Tintin had been a long time pet project of Steven Spielberg who finally secured the film rights to the comic series in the past months. Spielberg said that the computer animation technology used for the films would be unlike anything ever seen. The characters would be made to look real and photorealistic. The three stories are chosen from the 23 Tintin books published between 1929 and 1976.



Wow, there goes the News! Tintin has ever been my fav reads and so is Archie, Betty, Veronica and Jughead! Tintin however, is ever popular and Herge, the creator of Tintin gets tons of mails from India. Tintin enjoys a huge fan flow from Calcutta in India. In Cigars of Pharaoh, there is the snake charmers, fakirs and sacred cows. Tintin dressed in turban and shervani is thoughtful. Tintin in Tibet is also another feel of India influence. Captain Haddock bumps into a porter who yells at him in Hindi.



As Herge's Birth centenary is celebrated this year, Tintin creation is dear to millions of hearts and now we can cross our fingers and wait for Spielberg to do the magic!

- ilaxi patel
Author of Guardian of Angels
Editor, Net newspaper for kids with resources for parents and teachers
www.kidsfreesouls.com

Many parents keep wondering "Do virtual games help children become good at playing real life sports?" You find the answer, quick and straight when the kids play the simple games toying the keyboard. Virtual games are a simulation ground for real time learning for children. In most of the games, kids are constantly required to predict events, explore spatial relationships between objects, keep check on risks, distances, etc. They need to possess better levels of analytical and logical skills and they tend to exhibit faster their reflexes. Games like chess, golf, cricket, football, car racing and so on, are the favorites with kids. Hey, why forget the Harry Potter? This is a pick of many boys these days with the old and popular game 'Prince' & 'Doom' in the list.

Parents do need to take out some time and follow my article on what games to choose for kids. All games aren't good. However, I believe virtual games, if used in the right way, can help players improve co-ordination and visual skills, improve their logical and analytical skills and make them lead to perfection.

- ilaxi
Editor, kidsfreesouls.com
Author of: Guardian of Angels

Alexandra Pope is generally regarded as the greatest English poet of the early eighteenth century, best known for his satirical poems.

"We think our fathers fools, so wise we grow;
Our wiser sons, no doubt will think us so."
Alexander Pope (Essay on Criticism)

A Roman Catholic, Alexandra Pope knew several languages like French, Italian, Latin and Greek. One bigger language he knew was criticism or rather you call, satirical talk which he spoke in form of couplets. He wrote on what follies he saw in women and ridiculed people who misuse wealth. What is more interesting is Alexander Pope even ridiculed on writers, critics scholarly professors and called many scientists 'Stupid'. Whatever, the poet did have a lot of quotes to say through his work and one of the most we know is, "To err is human, to forgive divine!"

Ugh, oh, We say Criticism ain't good and we refrain from pointing fingers on someone! When parents get angry on their kids and criticism comes quite naturally, kids feel shame and anger. They hate you, avoid you for the criticism. Some of them rebel. This is when parental influence plays a big role. Parents need to be calm, see the positive in the kid and ask yourself, Is this criticism going to help? For kids, Criticism do play a negative role in their life and leave impressions of guilt and shame.

Here we have a poet who always wrote satirical but than, it is almost true that a person learns from criticism too. It's Attitude that makes a big difference. If Criticism is considered in a positive manner, there is a change. A person learns to live with criticism. Isn't this so true?

- ilaxi

22nd May 1859, Arthur Conan Doyle was born and left behind footprints on the sands of time - Sherlock Holmes. Most of us are excited to read the Detective stories while we studied in 8th Grade and above. The James Hadley chase and Agatha Christie has ever been the popular reads. It is almost a surprise that kids now have not even read a single book of James Hadley Chase or Agatha Christie - quite obvious Sherlock Holmes mystery is far away.

I have Hardy Boys and Enid Blytons-Famous Five as mystery picks in our library along with the Nancy Drew but ah, I would say, "Who reads or rathar who has got the time to read?" May be exceptions but I'd say, "Reading is almost on the back-seat!" Kids need to be "Encouraged for reading." You can find this article in my Book "Guardian of Angels".

Anyways, here's Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes pages for you to add to your Project book. Enjoy!

-ilaxi patel
Editor, Kidsfreesouls.comAuthor of "Guardian of Angels"

Friedrich Froebel, the German founder of Kindergarten system was born in 1782. He changed the way we think about early childhood education. Friedrich started a Play and Activity Institute which featured games, play, songs, stories, and crafts to stimulate imagination and develop physical and motor skills. He designed balls, wooden blocks, tiles, sticks and rings to demonstrate that children learn by playing. These objects were important part of child's life as these gifts will teach the child to use his environment as an educational aid, give a child an indication between human life and nature and create a bond between the adult and the child.

Children need the moral support and physical care from parents and teachers. With changing time, children need caring of future needs to growth of development. The word 'Kindergarten' mean, kinder + garten = Infant garden - garden for children in tune to nature where they can grow in free atmosphere in open surroundings. When Friedrich Froebel flourished the Kindergarten, he thought of kids to be tiny flowers who need the care and flower. Now, the whole meaning changes and kids need to learn more than just the nursery rhymes or the first abc. They need to compete with their peers and with the technology booming in, computers and mobiles have found way to the smaller kids who just pick up the gadgets and find way to communicate. Moreover, closed activities indoors need a break for a changeover to view the outside world - into gardens, parks and places of kids interest like the zoo, picnic spots, etc. Kids learn faster in open spaces and like we have the system of 'Shantiniketan' in India (started by Rabindranath Tagore) - studying in open skies in a garden, under the shade of trees is a unique way of learning. A balance with indoor and outdoor activity is just the need of the hour.

For more on Friedrich Froebel, surf google and you are sure to find great links. Enjoy!

- ilaxi
Editor, kidsfreesouls.com

Have you ever thought of writing those lovely 'Thank You' notes? It almost happens that as children grow up, they apt to forget the small beginnings that led them to climb ladders of success. I have seen children remember their teachers and the memories are very live but very few reciprocate their gratitude and revive the broken links with them.

Recently, an ex student visited the library and she was too happy to talk to the present students. She explained the importance of forming Reading habits and her journey from Swagat Library to what she has achieved today. She had attended my library for almost 4 years. Literally reading was geek for her but the guidance for reading from Swagat, helped her to pick up the right books. Step-to-step reading, from beginners stories, fairy tales to classics and later fiction reading made a big difference in her life and career as well. She thanked me for being her mentor and my heart is filled with joy.

Saying or Writing thank-you notes is a habit, and habits are not formed out of the blue. In school, we are taught to say 'Please, sorry and Thank You' but mostly, children do not adhere to the rules of gratitude. The habit sometimes is influenced by teachers and parents who guide the children. However, many children come out with a unique card - they draw me with specks and say Thank You while some draw and color a card with wishes. Sometimes gifts are not remembered but thoughtfully spoken or written words of gratitude and courteous note makes a big difference.

I remember visiting my school Library (Mt. Carmel school) a year ago and met the Library Sister. Though I met her for the first time, she was so happy to see an ex student of the school running a children's Library and she was proud of it and happily showed me the new arrival books. I can remember all time I spent there and thank my teachers for such wonderful books. As such, 18th April was marked for "Thanking school Librarian" and you will find e-cards here on 123greetings to thank your Librarian for encouraging you to read. You can even 'Thank' your mom or teacher (even Kidsfreesouls.com!) for encouraging you to read - all that is good and nice. Why, you can even thank Google to show you such beautiful sites you surf and read. Enjoy!

- ilaxi
Editor, kidsfreesouls.com

Chaitra month, Neem & Palm treeThe first of April, some do say,

Is set apart for All Fool's day;
But why the people call it so
Nor I, nor they themselves, do know.
But on this day are people sent
On purpose for pure merriment.

Americans do their fooling on 1st April because the early Scotch, English and French settlers brought the custom with them. The occassion provides pranksters of every description an opportunity to play a wide variety of jokes upon their friends and neighbors.

This year April 1st is Palm Sunday too. Palm tree is sacred since branches of palm tree were significant at the time of birth of Jesus. The bible scriptures mention Palm as characteristics of Palestine - the land of palms. The people of Jerusalem took the Palm branches and greeted Jesus when he entered Jerusalem and said, "Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord" (Matthew 21:8; John 12:13). Here are Annie's Pages if you like to know more on this. Christmas pages on kidsfreesouls are here with some info too.

As such, we have the month of Chaitra (as per gujarati calendar) and this month, people drink the juice made of the leaves of bitter Neem tree. It is believed that if this juice is taken, a person will not fall sick for the whole year as it is very good for health. We also eat the flower of Neem tree with sugar if neem juice is too bitter to drink. Here is the Trees Page on Neem and Palm trees.

- ilaxi
Editor, kidsfreesouls.com

Cowards die many times before their deaths, the valiant never taste death but once.
--Julius Ceaser

Ever read the Shakespeare Literature? We had supplement studies of Shakespeare while in high school days. Cleopatra was one movie that I liked so much that almost I got all the Shakespeare easy to read quotes for children in the library. Here is the Shakespeare profile and for the quotes, I have a new Quotes page for you. Please keep visiting the Quotes space as I will be adding a few from time to time. Btw, 15th March was the D Day of Julius Ceaser.Check the Shakespeare Sonnet a Day and I am sure you will enjoy the mails as much as I do.

Enjoy and Keep the Faith!

- ilaxi
Editor, kidsfreesouls.com

Now, there you see my Blidget on the right bar of this Blog. Well, check it out and you can add my widget on your website or a blog too - even make your own!

Well, Google had introduced some cool Gadgets too. You can make webpages more interesting and useful by adding calendars, clocks and even cartoons & more! You need to pick the gadget from the directory and paste the code in your site. Even you can make your own Gadgets and promote too.

- ilaxi
Editor, kidsfreesouls.com

Bad Handwriting is the sign of incomplete Education. Thoughts are formed with words, Words with letters, The melody of thoughts and words, combines to form handwriting with sentences. Good handwriting is easy to read, quick to write and good to look at. Also easy for the examiner to correct your papers.

Well, It's Examination fever and the academic year, coming to an end with last minute preparations going on by many of the school going students. Well, I am sure if you follow the handwriting and Examination tips here, you may lessen the stress of appearing for the exams. Just stick to the rule: Read, remember and write well - use your brains rather than mug up lessons. All the best Luck! Enjoy exams....

- ilaxi
Editor, kidsfreesouls.com

Many children get on the aggression, emotional confusion and lead to depression state with the increased game play with the electronic games. Regular games are much more healthier than the Play Station or the X Box games. This does not mean, kids should not play games on computers, but we all know many of the games involve slaughtering the opponents or destroying them head on. Recent studies show in Europe that such games are too harmful for children. Also there is lack of human communication as the kids are hooked to gaming. Sports help children interact socially and games like carrom can lead to interaction, conflict and resolutions. Also games like scrabble are good for kids.

We cannot scratch off computing games, however, we cannot just watch children pressing buttons on an electronic gadget and sitting completely for hours. It is in ours and their interest that children enjoy all games and engage into constructive gaming activities. Let this be a resolution for all women to watch what their kids play and pass on their wisdom and wise guidance to choose the right game - play any time, any where, and Enjoy! 

- ilaxi
Editor, kidsfreesouls.com

The Da Vinci Code - The book and the movie are controversial all over the world. Dan Brown, the author has revealed some interesting facts. We all know, Leonardo Da Vinci began working in 1495, and finished The Last Supper in 1498 with all the controversies hovered around who was sitting next to Jesus.

Well, here is Michelangelo's Profile as this artist was born on 7th March. Son of a Government agent, Michelangelo made marble statues and paintings. Most of his work is found in Sistine chapel where we find the Painting of Ancestors of Jesus and The Last Judgment. He also painted prophets seated on thrones, who are believed to have foretold the coming of Messiah, scenes from book of Genesis – Creation of universe, Adam & Eve and illustrating the story of Noah.

Being an artist is really interesting for kids as they love to hold the brush and paint their imagination on the canvass. Children at Swagat Library submit their paintings to clip up. They even have fun drawing me and clip it on the board:-) As I took a lot of competitions earlier, I found children drawing and coloring on various themes. This gave a rise to a thought of organizing a Poster Competition. All children can not excel in drawing or coloring. Like some are not good in singing or playing piano! So, we took a unique Poster competition and allowed kids to draw, color and even paste stickers. This resulted into children creating a unique Poster with their imagination and those kids who were not good in drawing and painting, were happy to participate and came out with unique ideas.
 
If you have got your piece of art and wondering what to do, send to kidsfreesouls and whenever I get some breathing space, I will scan your pics and paste on color paste board on kidsfreesouls. 

- ilaxi
Editor, kidsfreesouls.com